TORONTO – New Democrats say Kathleen Wynne’s endorsement of Deanna Sgro, also known as Deanna Natale, is sending the wrong message to low-income families and seniors that were hurt and bullied by her firm.

“Ms. Sgro’s conduct was so disturbing that, in 2013, it made national news,” said NDP Community and Social Services critic Lisa Gretzky. “Over 150 complainants – including many who actually owed no money – say Sgro and her firm threatened to take their homes and assets, and tried to pass off draft statements of claim as legal documents to force low-income people to pay up.”

Sgro was personally disciplined by the Law Society of Ontario in 2013 while she and her law firm worked as collections agents – a job she’s still doing. Sgro’s professional misconduct finding resulted from the Natale Law Offices engaging in “misleading, harassing, and threatening” behavior in order to collect on debts.

“Life under the Wynne Liberals has gotten harder for Ontario families and seniors. By backing Sgro, Kathleen Wynne is telling Ontarians struggling with high bills – cell phone, hydro or otherwise – that this province is a place where people who are struggling will be treated with hostility instead of compassion.

“Kathleen Wynne owes it to families of Humber River--Black Creek, and all those victimized by Sgro’s law firm, to reconsider Sgro’s place on her team.”